By Doug Tenney

Every growing season reminds us that uncertainty is part of agriculture. We can watch the weather, monitor crop conditions and study supply and demand, yet events halfway around the world can still change grain prices overnight. That was certainly the case during the last week of July, when geopolitical developments, rather than weather, became the driving force behind the markets.

Grain prices collapsed sharply on Monday, July 27, as traders reacted to renewed optimism that a ceasefire in the conflict involving the United States and Iran could reduce military activity. Selling accelerated throughout the day as traders rushed to exit long positions. The phrase heard repeatedly on trading floors was simply, “Get me out.”

December 2026 CBOT corn closed at $4.74, down 13.5 cents. July 2027 CBOT wheat settled at $6.985, down 18 cents. November 2026 soybeans posted the largest decline, closing at $12.1375, down 39.75 cents.

Soybean open interest that day fell 29,693 contracts while corn open interest dropped 14,035 contracts.… Continue reading

Throughout the summer months, Ohio FFA members pursued premier leadership experiences across the country through a variety of FFA programs. Explore the highlights and stories from three students’ journeys.

Next Gen Agribusiness Conference: Chicago, IL

Next Gen conferences, hosted by the National FFA Organization, invite students to immerse themself in a specific agricultural career pathway through learning sessions, roundtables with industry leaders, and business tours.

Claire Rhoades, a junior member of the Brookville MVCTC FFA Chapter, attended the Next Gen Agribusiness Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Rhoades was one of 75 FFA members from across the country selected to participate in this opportunity to explore agricultural business operations, management, and entrepreneurship.

Rhoades attended the conference to explore potential career pathways and gain a deeper understanding of the professional opportunities available within the agriculture industry.

“Seeing the fast-paced office environment, learning about renewable energy projects, and experiencing a professional corporate setting showed me just how many opportunities exist in agriculture and business beyond the farm,” Rhoades said.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net

Ohio farmers have an important Farm Service Agency deadline approaching, and state officials are encouraging producers not to wait until the last minute to complete paperwork.

That significant deadline is Aug. 31, the last day when farmers will be eligible to add base acres to existing farms, a change made possible through the recently enacted farm legislation. This opportunity represents the first major increase in base acres in more than two decades.

“The Trump administration listened to farmers and realized that we have not had a base acre increase across the country since 2002,” said Ohio Farm Service Agency Executive Director Don Jones. “We’ve got 30 million acres that we can add, which is very important because it’s another way we can help our farmers.”

However, Jones emphasized that the program applies only to existing farms already in the FSA system.

“We cannot add a new farm,” he said.… Continue reading

By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Check-off.

From its beginnings in the early 1900s to today, Ralph Farms has always been built on two things: hard work and family. Five generations of the Ralph family have played a role in the operation. Today, 86-year-old Don Ralph represents the second generation. His sons, Mike and Kenny, along with his nephew, Darrel, make up the third generation. Mike’s son, Michael, is the fourth generation, and Michael’s two young sons are already becoming involved as the fifth generation.

Perry Ralph started the family farm in the 1900s. Perry used horses to farm. When tractors came along, Perry was quick to adapt and not afraid to use the new technology to work longer hours and get more accomplished. The story is told that Perry tied lanterns onto a tractor so he would have light and could see and work later into the night.… Continue reading

By Satinderpal Singh, Matt Hankinson, and Laura Lindsey

Like every year, the 2026 growing season brought a mix of challenges and favorable conditions that shaped wheat production across the state. Wheat yields in the Ohio Wheat Performance Test were high, with location averages ranging from 95 to 107 bushels per acre. High yields were likely supported by a long grain-fill period resulting from cool temperatures and adequate soil moisture.

In fall 2025, wheat planting was timely, but emergence was slow due to dry soil conditions, especially in northwest Ohio. Even with dry conditions, fall growth was adequate for plants to enter winter dormancy in fairly good condition. During the first week of May, air temperatures dipped to freezing (Figure 1). In the central and northern areas of the state, winter wheat was at the boot stage (Feekes 10) or an earlier developmental stage, when plants are less susceptible to freeze injury.… Continue reading

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is raising concerns about the impact Tyson Foods’ planned closure of its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facility could have on cattle producers in Ohio and across the Eastern Corn Belt.

Tyson Foods announced Aug. 13 that it will end operations at the Joslin facility as part of a broader restructuring of its beef business. The company cited historically low U.S. cattle supplies and continued limited heifer retention as factors behind the changes.

Tyson plans to anchor its beef business around facilities in Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas; and Amarillo, Texas. The company will also close its Eagle Mountain, Utah, case-ready facility and is pursuing the sale of its Pasco, Washington, beef facility.

According to Tyson, cattle harvest capacity from the affected locations will be shifted to other facilities, allowing the company to maintain a similar level of cattle harvesting across its network.

For Ohio cattle producers, however, the loss of the Joslin facility means one fewer regional market for finished cattle.… Continue reading

Heavy rainfall across Ohio has boosted soil moisture levels statewide. Despite the wet conditions, corn and soybean development continued to advance ahead of the five-year average in several key stages, with crop condition ratings remaining mostly good to excellent. USDA reports there were 0.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 16.

Corn silking has reached 100%, ahead of last week’s 95%, and ahead of the 97% five-year average. Corn reaching the dough stage is at 81%, above the 68% average. Corn reaching the dent stage is at 15%, below the 17% average. Ohio corn condition was rated 66% good to excellent, with 52% good and 14% excellent.

Soybean blooming reached 100%, ahead of 95% last week and the 95% average. Soybean pod setting has reached 89%, ahead of last week’s 71% and above the 81% five-year average. Ohio soybean condition was rated 61% good to excellent, with 50% good and 11% excellent.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net

Ohio’s farmland auction market continues to show resilience as the industry heads into the busy fall selling season. While the rapid price increases seen over the past several years may be easing, demand for quality farmland remains strong, according to Kevin Miller of Oak Ridge Realty and Auction.

As the farmland market continues to evolve, Miller said he sees stability rather than significant shifts in demand.

“What we feel overall is that it’s level,” he said. “We haven’t really seen a tapering off. Some of the marginal farms may be staying on the market a little bit longer, but there are still hotbed areas that are consistently strong because of demand, livestock, and other factors.”

Even with the leveling market, the makeup of auction bidders has remained relatively consistent.

“Typically, we’re still seeing about a 50-50 split between farmers and investors,” Miller said. “If it’s in the neighborhood and highly desirable, farmers are going to be there, and investors are still coming to the marketplace.”… Continue reading

By Wyatt Morrow, OCJ Field Reporter

For nearly seven decades, Young’s Jersey Dairy has been creating memories for families while connecting consumers to agriculture. What began as a small farm store selling milk directly to customers has grown into one of Ohio’s most recognized agritourism destinations, welcoming close to 1 million visitors each year.

Located just outside Yellow Springs, Ohio, Young’s Jersey Dairy traces its roots back to 1869. The operation visitors know today, however, began after World War II, when Hap Young repurchased the family farm after it had been lost during the Great Depression. Alongside his sons Carl, Bob, and Bill, Hap farmed the 60-acre property while renting additional acreage to grow grain, raise hogs and milk dairy cows.

In 1958, the family began selling Jersey milk directly from a small room attached to the milk house. Customers grabbed glass bottles from a refrigerator, left payment on the honor system, and headed home.… Continue reading

The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame inducted its 2026 class today in the newly opened Ohio Showcase Building. The Hall of Fame, established in 1976, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward making the Ohio State Fair one of the nation’s premier expositions. Since the program’s inception, more than 200 members have been inducted for their outstanding contributions toward making the Ohio State Fair one of our nation’s premier expositions.

This year’s class was welcomed by Ohio Expositions Commission Chair Rose Hartschuh and Executive Director Adam Heffron, with remarks from Governor Mike DeWine.

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Beth Burger Former Exhibitor and Draft Horse Supporter

For 74 years, Beth has been a dedicated presence at the Ohio State Fair, continuing her family’s draft horse tradition dating to the 1920s. Horses from her bloodlines have earned numerous championships across North America, and her accomplishments earned her a place in the Percheron Horse Association of America Hall of Fame.… Continue reading

The biggest story of the 2026 Ohio Crop Tour may be how well the crop has recovered from a challenging start to the growing season. While there were plenty of examples of late planting, replanting, uneven stands, and fields still a long way from maturity, the overall picture across the tour was one of good yield potential.

The 2026 Ohio Crop Tour, sponsored by Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff, covered fields across the northern and southern portions of Ohio over four days. Scouts walked corn and soybean fields, assessed plant populations, growth stages, ear and pod development, disease and insect pressure, and calculated yield estimates.

The tour found considerable variability, particularly in the North Leg, but the general trend was positive. Corn yield estimates averaged 201.4 bushels per acre on the North Leg and 212.1 bushels per acre on the South Leg. Soybean estimates averaged 55 bushels per acre in the north and 54.4 bushels per acre in the south.… Continue reading

By Emma Matcham, PhD, CCA, Ohio State University

Late summer and early fall bring drier weather and slower growth of our cool-season forages throughout Ohio. This is also a great time of year to start controlling perennial weeds and make a plan for dormant-season applications.

Some of our top perennial weed issues in 2025 were hemp dogbane, milkweed, and Canada thistle, and we expect these to remain problematic in 2026. The root systems of perennial weeds allow them to regrow quickly whenever their aboveground structures are killed. Still, actions taken in fall can help reduce the amount of energy these plants store belowground and slow their regrowth next year. Frequent mowing is a great tool for denser patches of perennial weeds, and using a systemic herbicide in combination with mowing can further reduce the weeds’ ability to grow back in spring.

Many different products are effective for fall control of perennial weeds, especially in grass forage stands.… Continue reading

Don’t miss the Paul Bunyan Show — happening Oct. 2-4, celebrating 20 years at The Guernsey County Fairgrounds. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of machines, sawdust, and lumberjacks, plus some special surprises to celebrate! Visit thepaulbunyanshow.com to grab your tickets now. Advance sales end before the show—save money, time, and skip the line!

“It’s not simply the Association’s trade show,” said Jenna Reese, Executive Director of the Ohio Forestry Association, “The Paul Bunyan Show is a three-day exposition of Ohio’s forest products industry.” The Paul Bunyan Show was started in 1957 and has maintained it’s dedication to showing the heart and breadth of the industry since its inception.

Roughly 170 exhibitors will showcase their newest products at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Old Washington (Cambridge). Many will include live equipment demonstrations.

Husqvarna (Booth #503-506) and Tigercat (Booth #486, 487, 491, 492) are the Paul Bunyan Show’s title sponsors. This is Husqvarna’s 20^th consecutive year as a title sponsor.… Continue reading

By Dusty Sonnenberg and Joel Penhorwood, Field Leader is a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff

The 2026 Field Leader Crop Tour is underway, Sponsored by Field Leader a project of the Ohio Soybean Checkoff. The four-day crop tour will cover roughly 40 counties across the Buckeye State. This article will be updated continuously as county results are gathered.

Summaries of the first two days from the northern counties will be presented at the Ohio Soybean Hometown Tour at Reinhard Farms, and the second two days in the southern counties will be presented at the Hometown Tour stop at Bluegrass Farms. Click here to register.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Day 4: South Leg

Perry County

Corn

Our final field of the 2026 Crop Tour is fairly indicative of the southern leg’s theme – good looking, fairly uniform fields with good yields. This field was very thick with good population which helped to boost the yield estimation to 213 bushels per acre.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net

Wilmington College is building on its long-standing reputation for experiential agricultural education with plans for a new AgriScience Complex that will expand opportunities for students while creating a hub for livestock, greenhouse production, and animal science.

Corey Cockerill, president of Wilmington College, said the project builds on the institution’s long-standing commitment to experiential learning, an approach that has made agriculture the college’s largest academic program.

“About one-third of our students are agriculture majors. It is a thriving, exciting program with seven concentrations, and our students are fully engaged in a 287-acre living-learning laboratory,” Cockerill said.

That emphasis on learning by doing is what continues to attract students to Wilmington College, she said.

“We focus on getting students out of the classroom whenever we can,” Cockerill said. “My friend Chad says, ‘We don’t just read the chapter, we do the chapter.’ Students gain confidence when they’re out in the field learning by doing.… Continue reading

By Randall Reeder, Ohio No-Till Council

This question can be answered in two ways. Many no-till farmers also have jobs off the farm. They are part-time farmers.

The other answer refers to farmers who practice no-till only part of the time. They may no-till soybeans but make two or three tillage passes ahead of corn. Or they may no-till all crops for three to five years before returning to tillage.

If you fall into this second group, there is an opportunity to improve both your bottom line and your soil health by attending one or more of the events listed below. If machinery costs and fertilizer expenses are putting pressure on your operation, these programs are designed with you in mind.

College graduates interviewing for a job are often asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Regardless of your age or years on the farm, consider this question: Where do you see yourself in 2031?… Continue reading

The Ohio Pork Council has expanded its commitment to serving Ohio’s pig farmers with the addition of Dawson Osborn as government affairs and grassroots associate, a newly created position designed to strengthen the organization’s advocacy efforts. In this new role, Osborn will work alongside Ohio Pork Council Executive Vice President Cheryl Day to support the council’s government affairs strategy, strengthen relationships with elected officials and government agencies, expand grassroots engagement with pork producers, and help identify emerging legislative, regulatory, and community issues affecting Ohio’s pork industry. The position was created to provide additional capacity as the organization continues to expand its advocacy efforts and build stronger connections between Ohio pig farmers and policymakers. 

“The future of Ohio’s pork industry depends on building strong relationships and ensuring the voices of our farmers are heard wherever important decisions are made,” Day said. “Dawson brings an exceptional combination of agricultural roots, legislative experience, and a genuine passion for representing farmers in this new position.… Continue reading

By Brianna Smith

The story of Atterholt Farms is one many farm families can relate to: a 4-H project that grew into something much more.

Brothers Aaron and Mike Atterholt grew up showing cattle through 4-H and FFA in Ashland County. What started as a few projects and a passion for livestock eventually became a farming partnership, a registered Angus herd, and a way of life they now hope to pass along to another generation.

Today, nearly 20 years after purchasing their first Angus cattle, the brothers and their families operate Atterholt Farms near Loudonville, where they raise crops, cattle and perhaps most importantly, future farmers.

“People have asked me what’s the most important thing we raise here on the farm. Is it the crops or the cattle?” Aaron said. “I think it’s the kids.”

At Atterholt Farms, the fifth generation is already involved in the farm’s day-to-day operations. Each kid is already building their own herd, making breeding decisions, marketing their livestock, and learning the responsibilities that come with caring for livestock.… Continue reading

Nearly 700 members of Ohio’s agricultural community gathered Aug. 7 at the Ohio State Fair to celebrate the 60th Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame Breakfast and welcome four new members into the Hall of Fame. The Diamond Anniversary celebration honored John Grimes of Hillsboro, Dr. L.H. Newcomb of Hilliard, Nancy Patterson of Chesterland and Sparky Weilnau of Milan for their lifelong contributions to Ohio agriculture.

“For 60 years, the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame has given us the opportunity to recognize the legacy of those who have come before us,” said Mike Bailey, president of the Ohio Agricultural Council. “Each of us who works in agriculture recognizes that we stand on the shoulders of giants. This celebration honors not only our inductees and their families, but all those who have invested their lives in Ohio agriculture.”

 The 60th anniversary program also celebrated Ohio agriculture more broadly, recognizing past Hall of Fame inductees, agricultural leaders serving at the national level and six recipients of the Ohio Agricultural Council’s 2026 scholarships.… Continue reading